RAINFORESTS

WHAT IS A TROPICAL RAINFOREST?

A tropical rainforest is an ecosystem type that occurs roughly within the latitudes 28 degrees north or south of the equator (in the equatorial zone between the Tropic Of Cancer and Tropic Of Capricorn).

This ecosystem experiences high average temperatures (around 30 degrees) and a significant amount of rainfall (> 1300mm). Rainforests can be found in Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, Central America, Mexico and on many of the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean islands.

DISTRIBUTION OF RAINFORESTS

TROPICAL RAINFORESTS HAVE 4 LAYERS

EMERGENT LAYER 

These giant trees thrust above the dense canopy layer and have huge mushroom-shaped crowns. These trees enjoy the greatest amount of sunlight but also must endure high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.

CANOPY LAYER

The broad, irregular crowns of these trees form a tight, continuous canopy 20 to 30 metres above the ground. The branches are often densely covered with other plants (epiphytes) and tied together with vines (lianas). The canopy is home to 90% of the organisms found in the rain forest; many seeking the brighter light in the treetops.

UNDERSTORY LAYER

Receiving only 2-15% of the sunlight that falls on the canopy, the understory is a dark place. It is relatively open and contains young trees and leafy herbaceous plants that tolerate low light. Many popular house plants come from this layer. Only along rivers and roadways and in tree-fall and cut areas is sunlight sufficient to allow growth to become thick and impenetrable 

FOREST FLOOR

The forest floor receives less than 2% of the sunlight and consequently, little grows here except plants adapted to very low light. On the floor is a thin layer of fallen leaves, seeds, fruits, and branches that very quickly decomposes. Only a thin layer of decaying organic matter is found, unlike in temperate deciduous forests.